Reimagining Pop: Charli XCX’s Brat Remix Album Explores the Price of Stardom
Alright, let’s talk about Charli XCX’s new remix album, Brat and It’s Completely Different But Also Still Brat. This isn't your typical remix project with the usual “speed it up, slow it down” TikTok fare. Instead, Charli’s gone above and beyond, bringing back the original creators to remix the songs, giving it a genuine extension of her artistry.
Right from the start, the album dives into the highs and lows of fame—glittery highs and weighty lows alike. Take “Sympathy Is a Knife,” featuring Ariana Grande. Ariana echoes some serious truths about the pressures of beauty and the obsession of stan culture with lines like, “It’s a knife when you’re so pretty they think it must be fake.” It’s raw and reminds us how brutal the spotlight can be.
Then there’s “Von Dutch,” featuring Addison Rae, which critiques toxic fan-artist relationships that are all too common on social media. It’s a strong commentary on how fans sometimes don’t see the person behind the persona—perfectly capturing our era’s vibe.
One standout moment is “Everything Is Romantic” with Caroline Polachek. Charli takes the original theme of finding beauty in new places and turns it into a lament about losing herself in the grind of fame. The lyrics, “I’m trying to shut off my brain/I’m thinking about work all the time,” hit hard, especially for anyone deep in the hustle.
The remix of “B2B” gives us a glimpse into the relentless reality of back-to-back touring. Charli’s line, “Oh, shit, I kinda made it,” is both hilarious and all too relatable. And “I Think About It All the Time,” featuring Bon Iver, transforms from a personal struggle to a reflection on the guilt that comes with success: “There’s so much guilt involved when we stop working.” It’s a whole mood, right?
Each track features a guest, adding an exciting layer to the album, although not all of them hit the mark—like Robyn on “360,” where she feels a bit underutilized amidst the chaotic production.
The album’s mix of sounds keeps things fresh. “So I,” a tribute to the late Sophie, runs almost five minutes and packs an emotional punch. Meanwhile, the acid-washed “Club Classics” and techno-heavy “365” keep the energy high, proving Charli knows how to keep us moving.
Some tracks feel perfectly placed, while others, like the minimalist “I Might Say Something Stupid,” seem a bit out of place in the lineup.
All in all, Brat and It’s Completely Different But Also Still Brat is more than a remix album; it’s a reflection on the rollercoaster of pop stardom. Charli’s blend of introspective lyrics and killer beats gives us a deeper understanding of her journey. Just as relevant and on-point as the original, this album cements Charli’s spot as a major player in the pop game. If you haven’t listened yet, what are you waiting for?
